Ayurveda Q&A: Ayurvedic diet for melasma

Dr Gowthaman, Founder and Medical Director, rVita Ayurveda and Yoga Centers and www.rvita.com, answers readers’ questions on Ayurveda. Get your doubts cleared and see them featured on our FAQ page every Tuesday.

This week’s answers:

Dear Dr.

I am suffering due to Diabetic and eye problems for the past 3 years and I searched through web for a cure for the above. In one Ayurveda Center, they claimed that they can cure permanently 80% by detoxification and ayurvedic medicines. I am living in Saudi Arabia. The said Ayurveda center suggested me to stay with them for 8 days and leave back to Saudi Arabia.However, I am planning for a short trip to Chennai and like to have your opinion about the treatment to get rid of diabetic and I would like to know whether your center shall cure my problems.

Regards,
C.NADARAJAN,

Dear Nadarajan,

Healing of Diabetic retinopathy or any complications of Diabetes is well managed by Ayurveda, However if any damage already happened to Optic nerve Ayurveda may not be helpful. Before commenting anything on the efficacy part please send me your medical reports. Let me go through and advise. Diet, exercise and good control over the blood sugar levels too plays a vital role in healing.
Hi

My mother is suffering from Melasma since last 10 yrs.Her age is 48 yrs.The pigmentation was less visible few years back, but now since last 1yr it has spreed all over her cheek and forehead.She had been taking doctors advice and respective medicines but nothing has worked.The spots seem to have become much darker now.Her skin is very sensitive and she is really very much worried.Kindly suggest me what to do

Let me know if there is some medicine which can help.

Regards,
Riya

Dear Riya,

Melasma has strong hormonal reasons. Since she is going through pre or post menopausal time, the condition may get worsen.

I am 29 years old unmarried female. I get migraine which starts on 3rd day of periods and continues till 4th or 5th day and again starts 2 or three days before ovulation. As ovulation happens pain subsides and it also resumes on few days before periods. But my migraine in first half of cycle is very chronic. I know it is due to hormonal imbalance. Can you suggest me ayurvedic remedies to balance hormones strictly which does not contain phytoestrogens.

Avoid late sleep, oily and spicy foods and drinks. Take good amount of fresh vegetables, fruits. milk. Avoid curds, any sour foods and drinks.

Hi Doctor

Really need some help on melisma. It is on my tow checks and chin and lighter in other places.I have tried everything, dermatologist, peeling, microdermabrasions, creams and may other remedies.

Nothing works. It gets black in the sun very dark. It never peels so that the skin can change.

Can you please help me or lead me in the right direction. I have spent all the monies on everything that did not work.

Thanks.
Ethel Ramjit, 69 years old

Dear Ethel,

At this age, the medicines may not be very effective. However it will prevent worsening the conditions. Please apply Maha Thiktakam Gritam – its a medicated Ghee rejuvenates the Skin. Also take DNA Noni 15 ml + 100 ml of warm water – Twice daily before food. This will help in both
rejuvenation and healing.
Respected Sir,

My name is Saritha and I am 26 Years old. I had lot pimples on my face so i have undergone many treatment but even thoug i dint get good results. I have too much of wholes in my cheeks, its making me to look ugly and marriage is getting postponig coze of this. I have taken microdermabration after that only wholes are too visible. m not able to enjoy lyke all other girls.

Doctor please suggest me is there any solution to get clear skin and get rid of wholes on my skin.

Awaing for your Reply

Thanking you,
SARITHA. P.R

Hi P.R Saritha,

Regular detoxification therapies and stress relieving therapies have proved to be effective against acne. Ayurveda recommends a healthy diet that includes coriander, dry ginger, and turmeric. These condiments remove toxins from the body and prevent acne.

The following medicines are widely recommended by the Ayurveda and other CAM practitioners in India as pacification therapy:

Yoga primarily targets this condition by removing stress and toxins known to be the primary causes of acne.

Home remedies

1. Regular intake as well as external application of fresh juice of carrot and cucumber.
2. Regular application of paste made from tea leaves and sweet basil leaves.
3. Regular application of paste made from cucumber, sandal wood powder, and neem powder.
4. External application of crushed garlic cloves with honey.
5. Internal Medication with Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Boil 50 gm of Guggulu gum in 500 ml of water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink 15 ml of this extract thrice daily for a week.
6. Internal medications with Jackal berry (Diospyros mespiliformis): Boil 50 gm of finely pulverized Jackal berry root in 500 ml of water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink 15 ml of this extract thrice daily for a week.
7. Internal medications Achyranthes Root: Boil 50 gm of finely pulverized Achyranthes Root in 500 ml of water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink 15 ml of this extract thrice daily for a week.
8. Internal medications using Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Boil 1 tsp of dried leaf powder of Mugwort in a cup of water for about 10 min. Then strain and cool it. Drink this tea thrice daily for a week.
9. Using Aloe vera: Cut open a small piece from a large aloe leaf and squeeze out the gel. You can also keep an aloe plant in your home for easy and immediate access. Use the gel twice a day – morning and night, for one week.

Dietary habits and physical exercise do have an impact on the management of Acne. Hence, all medical systems suggest avoiding fatty, junk, oily foods and drinks such as cheese, skimmed milk, and cream cheese. These foods make the skin more vulnerable to acne. Ayurveda advises avoiding seafood if you have acne.

Dear Dr Gowthaman,

I am Sasikala, from london,UK. I have platelets count less in my blood(Only 45) I saw your answers about this in website.

about me Dr. in london suggesting me operation with more side effects. I am afraid.I saw from many links suggesting me to take Ayurveda treatment which can be treat with medicines.

So I plan to come India take the treatment. Are you giving treatment for Platelets.? if so please give me your address and contact no: please.

Thanks
S.Sasikala

Hi Sasikala,

Yes, at rVita Ayurveda Centers we do treat all diseases and disorders. We actually take a integrative approach to this condition – Ayurveda medicines + Therapies, Yoga and Diet with Modern medicines & Supplements. The results are better when we combined the strength of these natural and
Conventional medical system.
Respected sir ,

i am Divya/24 an ayurvedic doctor

my problem is that mine having mild colour change on my lower lip it
is from pinkish to whitish , i contected to dermetologist for it ,he told me it is nothing butarising of vitiligo (svitra) he started tab trioxalen on alternate day at morning followed by sun light exposure of lip after 2 hr of tablet taking and oint mometasone for 2 month and as a regimen he told nt to take sour items ,nw also pigmentation is ther so what shoud i do sir it ?

Hi Divya,

Its looks like Vitiligo. Before commenting please check your vitamin D & Thyroid profile. Sometimes deficiency of both can lead to this symptoms too.

My name is sasikala from Coimbatore . My mom’s age is 74. she is not able to stand straight. on consultation with ortho doctor, he says due to calcium deficiency her hip bone is bended and prescribed calcium tablets.
she has BP also. I used to watch Dr.Gowthaman’s program in kalaignar
tv, he said one of the greens “Sunnambu Keerai” is very good for obsorbing calcium while taking calcium tablets. my mom also has tremor in hands (early signs of parkinson) and for that doctor suggested oil massage from “Pen kottai Tree” . where can we get powder form of Sunnambu keerai and oil from Pen kottai tree? Is Dr.Gowthaman is visiting at Coimbatore?

sasikala kala

Hi Sasikala,

This is Dr Gowthaman, These medicines are very effective for both the conditions, however i need to go through all her medical reports before commenting on them. Please send it. All these herbs are available at rVita Centers, Chennai

Sir

I have melasma in may face from 5-6 yer. I have done all kind of treatment but permanently not finish.I have done dermatology 6 time but result is temporary good but now came back again. pls advice what is the permanent solution of melasma and where I gate.

I am from Bangladesh
Age 38 years

Regards,
Golam Moula (Tushar)

Hi Golam,

Ayurveda, as a holistic medicine addresses this problem both from inside and outside. Ayurveda explains as the facial beauty is the reflection of physical, mental and spiritual well being. Hence, Ayurveda recommends the traditional detoxification therapies followed by rejuvenation therapies for this condition.

As a pacification therapy, Ayurveda recommends a special eight fold therapy for a period of 28-40 days for complete cure. This facial therapies helps improves the blood circulation in the skin which in turn detox and rejuvenate itself. Even though the results are slow, it yields better results than any other chemical or Modern medicine based creams

1. Gentle application of fresh aloe vera juice followed by warm water wash: Modern researchers do accept it as aloe vera contains mucilaginous polysaccharides which has a significant result on lightening the dark spots. Ayurveda recommends this application on face should be a gently one and to be done for 15 minutes.
2. Application of Orange skin fresh or powder mixed with milk – It is very good skin exfoliator which can lighten the skin discolorations in no time. Gentle application followed by warm water wash after 30 minutes
3. Application of turmeric powder mixed with warm milk – 5 tablespoon of turmeric powder mixed with 10 tablespoon of milk and applied all over the face followed by warm massage for 20 minutes helps followed by warm water wash
4. Almond paste with honey as pack for 15 minutes followed by warm water wash after 15 minutes
5. Application of fresh lemon juice with gentle massage followed by warm water wash after 10 minutes
6. Onion seed paste application followed by warm water wash after 15 minutes
7. Thulasi leave paste pack followed by warm water wash after 15 minutes
8. Finally 10 minutes pack with Thriphala choornam for 10 minutes followed by warm water wash (Ayurveda recommends using Thriphala Kashayam for face wash helps both in prevention and cure, Ayurveda also recommends 1 tablespoon of Thriphala choornam at bed time with warm water also helps in healing)

Home remedies for Melasma

a. Vinegar: Dilute vinegar equally with water, and use to cleanse and rinse your face. Allow to air dry to seal in moisture. Or, use the vinegar/water mixture in place of an astringent or toner. Vinegar is chemically acetic acid, and is capable of whitening and brightening, as well as making skin smoother and more radiant. It has also long been used for a skin softener. Apple cider or other natural vinegars are recommended, though some people use distilled white vinegar.
b. Onion Juice: To get onion juice, you can finely chop up an onion, or blend it, and squeeze the juice through a cheese cloth. Mix with equal part apple cider vinegar, apply twice daily with a cotton ball and watch for results over the next several weeks. Alternatively, you can cut a slice of onion, dip it in vinegar, and apply it to the pigmentation.
c. Lemon Juice: Applying the juice of a fresh lemon to the pigmentation has a similar effect to the onion remedy – it is acidic and can safely peel off the top layer of skin, causing spots to fade.
d. Onion, vinegar and lemon juice are excellent home remedies to relieve you of age spots, Melasma, pigmentation and discoloration. I found this treatment quite effective for lightening over several weeks – what I didn’t like was the onion smell. Though it was great in a pinch, I didn’t want to have stinky hands and face for life, so I learned of many more natural remedies to combat my Melasma.

Ayurveda diet for Melasma

Avoiding the following food items helps in prevention and healing of Melasma

Sir,
I have multiple tiny cholesterol stone in gall bladder. USG abdomen shows- Gall bladder wall is collapsed, thick & hazy and lumen showing tiny soft calculi in the whole of the lumen with small pericholecystic fluid suggestive of chronic cholecystitis with early acute change. Doctor has suggested for cholecystectomy. Can it be cured through ayurvedic medicine?

At this stage surgery is the good option since the wall is collapsed. Please undergo surgery asap to avoid major complications.

Hi sir,

My age is 25 and I am suffering from PCOS since past 8 months. I don’t want to live my full life on contraceptive pills. I have heard that PCOS can be very well controlled and cured by ayurveda. So, as you are an Ayurveda Physician, can you please recommend any good Ayurved physician
here in Bangalore? Or do you have any of your branches/centre in Bangalore? This would be a great help from your side sir. Waiting for the reply.

Thanks and Regards,
Purnima singh

Hi Purnima,

Yes, Ayurveda have best remedies for PCOD/ PCOS. I would be visiting Bangalore on last saturday & Sunday of every month. For July, I would be visiting on 27 th & 28 th. My consultation happens at Odukathur Swamigal Matt, Ulssoru, Near Thiruvalluvat Statue, Bangalore.

I and my family age is 40 yrs.
i lost my son (14yrs)in 2011.i plan for a boy baby so pl. suggest me how i plan and take medicine for this.

Regards,
A.K.Pandit

Hi A. K. Pandit,

IVF is the only way at this age as your partner would be going through the menopausal phase.

Dear sir myself randhir from Mauritius need some help about gout treatment

Randhir Dookhooah

Hi Randhir,

Gout is the specialty of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda recommends therapies for prevention as well as for the management of this condition. Ayurvedic treatments for gout vary depending on the condition of the patient and the severity of the disease. Ayurvedic treatments for gout consist of detoxification therapies (Pancha karma),oral medicines and diet regulations. Snehanam-(Oleation), virechanam- (purgation), abhyanga-(massage), pradeha,pralepa-(medicated packs) and basthi-(enema) are the treatments suggested in the treatment of gout

a. Abhyanga (Oil massage) – It increases the metabolism, which leads to better tissue respiration and circulation, causing the body to flush out its waste products more efficiently. It helps in alleviating rheumatic disorders. It improves flexibility, softness and firmness of the skin and for long life.
It is the most ancient method used to remove muscular fatigue and pain.

b. Pizhichil (Oil bath)- In pizhichil, lukewarm medicated herbal oil is poured all over the body. This treatment is very effective in rheumatic diseases like arthritis, Gout, nervous weakness and nervous disorders.
This treatment is prescribed not only for rheumatic ailments (vatic disorders) but also for many other diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, fits, convulsions etc.

Home Remedies for Gout

A. Apples are good for gout
B. 3 ml of lemon juice mixed in 100 ml of water, thrice daily helps the kidney to detoxify
C. 30 ml French bean juice said to be effective in gout. It has to be taken for at least 30 days as one course
D. Cherries play a vital role in improving the anti oxidants in the system. Some naturopaths recommend 10 fresh cherries a day to keep the gout in control.
E. Carrot juice mixed with the juices of beet and cucumber acts as diuretic hence it is recommended for Gout
F. A charcoal bath is a good Home Remedy for Gout. Mix in old basin one half cup of charcoal powder with water until a paste is made. Place affected foot into the basin and add water until the foot is enclosed. Steep your foot in the charcoal bath for thirty to sixty minutes.

Our eating and living habits, environmental factors etc produces toxins which usually accumulated in the body and ends up with conditions like Gout. Ayurveda’s five purification therapies (Pancha Karma) are
primarily targeted to remove these toxins and rejuvenate the human system which in turn helps in prevention and management of Gout better than any other modern medical systems.

Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol) and a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues and transported in the blood plasma of all animals.Cholesterol is present in higher concentrations in tissues which either produce more or have more densely-packed membranes, like the liver, spinal cord and brain.Cholesterol plays a central role in many biochemical processes, but is best known for the association of cardiovascular diseases with various lipoprotein cholesterol transport patterns and high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it makes the membrane’s fluidity and degree of viscosity. Cholesterol also aids in the manufacture of bile and is also important for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K. It is the major precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D, ofthe various steroid hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and of the sex hormones progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone. Further recent researches show that cholesterol has an important role for the brain synapses as well as in the immune system, including protecting against cancer.

Hello sir i m lavesh 20yr. Old. I used to do workout and take 30-40gm
protein through soya beans, egg, protein x, b protein etc.From 2 days i have been feeling discomfortness under my right chest. Near liver position. I have also noticed drop down in my apetite and have a lots of dakars. Whats wrong with me? Is it a serious issue? please help me and what should i do..

Thanx in advance
Lavesh Khurana

Hi Lavesh,

Looks like all these protein supplements you take creating lots of gas. Take 100 ml of water, boil it with 5 gm of Jeera seeds for 10 minutes. Drink it when ever you have this trouble. This will help. In the mean time, do a ultra sound and rule out the possibility for Gall stones and Fatty liver.

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